Shane Victorino hit a three-run double off the Green Monster in the third inning, giving the Red Sox an early lead which they’d never relinquish. John Lackey allowed one run over 6 2/3 innings for the win, the second World Series-clinching win of his career.

The victory completed one of the most remarkable sports turnarounds from one season to the next, with the Red Sox finishing in last place with a 69-93 record in 2012 before winning 97 games this year during the regular season on the way to the World Series title.

The 1991 Minnesota Twins are the only other team to win a championship one year after finishing in last place. No team has ever won a championship after posting a winning percentage of .426 in the previous season.

It is the Red Sox’ eighth World Series title and third since 2004. The franchise is the first in Major League Baseball to win three titles in the 21st century, with the Giants (2010, 2012) and Cardinals (2006, 2011) the only other multiple champions.

The Red Sox never once faced elimination during their postseason run, defeating the Rays in four games and beating the Tigers in six games before ousting the Cardinals in six games in the World Series.

The Red Sox hadn’t clinched a World Series at home since 1918, when they defeated the Cubs 2-1 in Game 6.